Meet the Author

The FermentedlyChallenged blog has been retired since the end of October 2016. It has been a great 9 year run. Thanks to all the readers and brewery staff for all your support in the past. I'm living in the Denver metro area and working in the Cable TV industry now. Cheers and enjoy beer responsibly. Follow along on social media - @ChipperDave on Twitter and on Facebook.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Today is Halloween. One of the most celebrated holidays of the year. Spending wise, this is the 2nd biggest holiday for retailers. Who can pass up a good costume or all those big bags of candy? For craft beer lovers, it's the peak of the Fall seasonal releases. Just be careful out there tonight. Everything in moderation is not only good advice to children for eating candy, but also for adults who indulge in spirited beverages. Have fun, but be safe. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Thursday, October 31st, 2013. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Elk Mountain Brewing (Parker) - The brewery is planning to soon host a fundraiser event to raise money for victims of the recent floods in Lyons, Colorado. For a suggested $20 donation, they will offer up 5 beers and 5 food stations each with beer pairings. There will also be a live auction with several items ranging from $50 to $300 in value. The event is set for Tuesday, November 12th at 6pm.

Brewery Rickoli (Wheat Ridge) - Come visit the brewery in your costume today and get $1 off all pints. There's plenty of beer and today they've also got candy!River North Brewery (Denver) - All ghouls and ghosts (or anyone in costume) will get $1 off Hello, Darkness and Avarice tonight. They'll also have a trick or treat style grab bag with candy, free beer and some glasses to give away! Pride of Philly Cheesesteaks is already there and set up, waiting to feed you!

Black Shirt Brewing (Denver) - Free 5oz pour of Sangre de la Carretera (Blood of the Road) to those who show up in costume tonight.

Renegade Brewing Co (Denver) - The brewery just took delivery of their new 45 barrel fermenters. More Renegade beer coming soon!

Arvada Beer Company (Arvada) - Tonight for Halloween they'll have 12 beers on tap including the new release today of the Sour Cherry. The costume party starts at 6pm.

Copper Kettle Brewing (Denver) - Tonight's cask is a Rum Barrel Imperial Pumpkin Porter along with a costume contest. The winner get a free growler of the cask! They tapped it at 3pm.

Boulder County

BRU Handbuilt Ales & Eats (Boulder) - Tonight at BRU you can bring the kids in for Trick or Treating and when you do, Mom or Dad will get a Free Pint. For those without kids, dress up in a costume and get $3 house pints all night.

Sanitas Brewing (Boulder) - [PRESS RELEASE] Sanitas Brewing Company is excited to announce tomorrow’s release of their newest beer, Bird of Prey Double IPA. Loaded with big, dank hops, the 10.7% ABV. India Pale Ale has been a work in progress for Boulder’s newest brewery. “We wanted this beer to find its own place among the area’s great Double IPA’s,” explains brewing operations director Chris Coyne, “we chose Galaxy, a really unique hop from Australia with trademark tropical fruit and resinous undertones, as the focal point in Bird of Prey. It took months to have the hops harvested and shipped from Tasmania to Boulder, but the final result is a really unique Double IPA, which is exactly what we were shooting for.” Burnt orange in color, Bird of Prey exudes a pungent aroma of citrus and tropical fruits. The flavor follows with massive layers of hop character and a formidable malt backbone. Noticeable hop flavor and bitterness lasts far beyond each sip, making for an incredibly pleasant IPA experience. Bird of Prey Double IPA will be tapped in Sanitas’ Boulder Tap Room at 3550 Frontier Avenue Unit A on Friday, November 1st at 6pm. Everyone’s first pour of Bird of Prey will come with a raffle ticket for a chance to win a growler fill of the new Double IPA as well as brewery swag. Bird of Prey is not available in cans or bottles, but growler fills will be available.

Bootstrap Brewing (Niwot) - There's Hoppy Hour prices for everyone in costume today. Plus, come over between 6pm and 7pm for the costume contest. $50 gift certificate for 1st place, a Bootstrap shirt for 2nd and a Bootstrap hat to 3rd. They also have just a few pints of Oktoberfestbier today too, but you have to ask Bob to get some.

Avery Brewing (Boulder) - The Czar Imperial Stout Release Party is tomorrow, Friday November 1st at 5pm. The Czar will be available in the Avery Tap Room on draft and in 22oz. bottles starting at 5pm this Friday! Inhale the noble Hallertau hops, spicy and floral. Savor the flavors redolent of English toffee, rich mocha, sweet molasses, candied currants and a hint of anise. There's also a Food Drive going on - bring in some non-perishable food items. For every 3 items you donate you get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a case of The Czar! Plus, this Friday's Special Tapping will be a Mint Chocolate Stout at 5pm.

West Flanders Brewing (Boulder) - Free cookies for the kids if you bring them trick or treating at the brewery today.

Oskar Blues (Longmont) - The brewery announced that they just passed the 100,000 barrel mark this year. Congrats to all who helped them reach this milestone.

Left Hand Brewing (Longmont) - Happy Halloween means that if you show up in their taproom today in a costume you'll get a free pint!

Northern Colorado

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) - Now that the business next door to their taproom has left, Grimm Brothers wasted no time in acquiring the open space. They opened up the wall and have added more seating and event space for their busy tap room. As more and more businesses eventually vacate in the same building, they plan to acquire more spaces.

Wiley Roots Brewing (Greeley) - Prohibition may have ended for most 80 years ago, but it wasn't until November 5, 1969 that prohibition ended in Greeley. On Tuesday, November 5th, come celebrate the 44th anniversary of the end of prohibition in Greeley. Join Wiley Roots for a special evening with Jazz music from Ryan Middagh and friends. Wiley ROots will be offering $3.50 flagship beers and will showcase the limited release of their India Brown Ale. The Wing Shack will also be on site serving up their famous wings. Sign up for the special Prohibition Bear Hot Challenge! Other watering holes around Greeley will also be hosting Prohibition parties around town including: Moxi Theater, Crabtree Brewing, Patrick's Irish Pub, 65th Ave Wing Shack and Syntax Spirits.

City Star Brewing (Berthoud) - For Halloween they have Happy Hour prices from 6:30pm to 11pm. Also, a costume contest at 9:30pm. Winner wins beer!

Big Beaver (Loveland) - The brewery is planning to host a Smoke Fest this Sunday, November 3rd starting at 3pm. No, it's not a 420 celebration, it's a smoked meat celebration. They'll have 5 to 6 people cooking up smoked meats out back, offering up tips and techniques on how to smoke your own meats and providing samples. You'll need to wash all that down with a beer too. They'll also have live music from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.

Pateros Creek Brewing (Ft. Collins) - Halloween Party at the brewery tonight and they will be tapping not 1 but 3 Outlaw beers on a jockey box too. Trivia tonight with prizes.

Odell Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - Every have their Isolation Ale tapped from a pumpkin? Tonight you can. Come get some.

Great Storm Brewing (Colorado Springs) - Stop in dressed in your best costume tonight and get a free GSB sticker. Plus, you'll also be entered into a highly subjective costume contest where the winner gets a $20 tab. Try their unspiced Belgian pumpkin Pompion Ale, the Rheas's Graf and their bay leaf Baltic porter tonight.

Mountains and West

Broken Compass Brewing (Breckenridge) - Reports of a new brewery headed to Breckenridge in the near future. They are looking at located at 68 Continental Court Unit B12. They are currently in the process of filing paperwork and obtaining licenses. Headed up by Jason Ford, David Axelrod and Jo Ford.

Aspen Brewing Co (Aspen) - [PRESS RELEASE] Aspen Brewing Company and Tivoli Distributing Company are pleased to announce a Distribution Agreement. Effective immediately, Tivoli Distributing will handle all sales and distribution of Aspen Brewing Company products in all Colorado markets except Aspen and Snowmass Village. Because of this partnership, Aspen Brewing Company brands will immediately be more broadly available in all Colorado markets and retailers will see great product availability, timely delivery, and overall customer service. “Aspen Brewing Company is dedicated to brewing the best beer Colorado has to offer. Picking a distribution partner is extremely important to us - we need to know that we are being represented by people that truly understand the craft beer world,” according to Duncan Clauss, CEO of Aspen Brewing Company. “We have watched the amazing progress that Tivoli Distributing Company has experienced since their inception. Tivoli Distributing Company’s focus on small Colorado craft brewers is a very welcomed approach in our state, and we are thrilled to start working with them.” Duncan added. Corey Marshall, CEO of Tivoli Distributing Company, commented, “Aspen Brewing Company is a perfect fit for our portfolio. In addition to making fantastic Colorado style beers, Aspen Brewing Company is a revived historic Colorado Brewery - we love that concept! Since 2007, Aspen Brewing has limited its distribution to Aspen, Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley. We are excited about leading the effort to roll Aspen Brewing Company brands to the rest of Colorado. These are beers that Colorado will love!”
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Like us on Facebook - There's even more Colorado beer happenings and discussions on the Fermentedly Challenged Facebook Page. Find recaps, special offers, and tips that you won't find on the blog.

Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Today is Devil's Night / Mischief Night. The night before Halloween is a night to make mischief. Play pranks on your friends and neighbors. have fun, but not too much fun. After all, we want everyone to stay safe during this fall holiday season. Just remember, what goes around comes around. The prankster can easily become the pranked! Then once your mischief is over, enjoy the night preparing for Halloween tomorrow. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Wednesday, October 30th, 2013. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Stapleton Tap House (Denver) - Halloween gets extended this year through Friday, November 1st at Stapleton Tap House. That's the night they plan to host their 1st annual Halloween Party at 7pm. They will be tapping some special offerings from Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, Tivoli Brewing, Backcountry Brewery, Crabtree Brewing and Pateros Creek Brewing. There will also be trivia contests every hour with prizes and a costume contest with a grand prize. Make your Halloween last longer at the tap house. Sorry, no kids allowed. 21+ only. Located at 8286 Northfield Boulevard, Unit 1525 in Denver, CO.

Star Bar (Denver) - This Friday night, November 1st from 9pm to 1:30am, Star Bar will be hosting the "Dia de los Murertos" (Day of the Dead) Party. Put on your best Dead Face and get ready to party. They are teaming up with Patron & Ska Brewing for a crazy night in face paint. Get $4 drafts and cans from Ska, including their Autumnal Mole Stout, True Blonde and Modus Hoperandi. Located at: 2137 Larimer Street in Denver, CO.Beryl's Beer Co (Denver) - Progress is being made towards opening this new brewery. They recently received their walk-in cooler and are finalizing their brewery design plans. They've submitted for permitting as well. Coming soon to 3120-C Blake Street in Denver, CO.

Parry's Pizza (Greenwood Village) - Parry's is hosting a special event "A Russian River Runs Through Parry's" on Saturday, November 2nd all day. They will be tapping several beers from Russian River (California) including: Pliny the Elder, Supplication, Temptation, and Blind Pig. Also, bottles of Consecration will also be available. Russian River fans know how good these beers are. Stop in and try one and fill your stomach with good food as well.

Golden City Brewery (Golden) - Dont' forget! Their 20th Anniversary celebration runs October 31st through November 2nd. On Thursday, Oct. 31st, get 1993 prices on their original beers ($2 pints and $4 growler fills). Get a chance to win beer for a year with your best Halloween costume. Live music all 3 days. On Friday, Nov. 1st get 20% off all GCB merchandise and meet and greet with the brewers. Then on Saturday, Nov. 2nd there will be FREE food provided by World Wide Vittles and Tin Start Smokehouse.

Rockyard Brewing (Castle Rock) - Due to their generous contributions from proceeds from sales of their Whiskey River Stout, Rockyard Brewing was able to donate $10,000 to the CAN'd Aid Foundation to help with #COFlood Relief. Thanks to all who bought some Whiskey River Stout to help out in this cause! You can still help out by buying more Whiskey River Stout in stores in the Denver, Colorado Springs and Ft. Collins areas.

Rackhouse Pub (Denver) - The Denver Art Museum and Dillon Dam Brewery got together and brewed up a special collaboration beer and fans chose the name. Today at the Rackhouse Pub, they will be tapping "La Seine Shine", a Passport to Paris-inspired brew. It's described as a "ray of sunshine in a glass". It's a light lager with a Belgian farmhouse yeast and a dash of rosebuds and lemongrass as dry-hopping agents. This beer will also be available at Dillon Dam Brewery in Dillon, CO.

Big Choice Brewing (Broomfield) - Tomorrow only (October 31st) get your "Wagon" Growler 64oz Refills for just $6 (or $11 for their Double IPA). Also, it's the last day to sign up for their Movember Contest to win Beer for a Year. Details: www.bigchoicebrewing.com/contest.html.

Strange Brewing (Denver) - Stop by the brewery tomorrow, Oct. 31st for a Strangely Simple Halloween Gathering. Anyone arriving in costume will get $1 off pints. Take a stab (ha ha) at guessing how many candy corns are in the StrangeLove bomber and win a $25 gift certificate for being closest, a growler and up to $13 fill for second closest and a free pint and glass for third best guess (one prize per person, please).

Beer By Design (Northglenn) - Beer By Design Brewery will have new hours starting Friday, November 1. They'll be open Monday - Thursday 3:00-9:00 pm, Friday 3:00-10:00 pm, Saturday 1:00-10:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00-7:00 pm. More time for your favorite beers designed to be enjoyed! And dont' forget their Halloween party on Friday, November 1st - costume contest, music, dancing and more. JD Pumpkin Harvest Ale too.

Boulder County

Twelve Degree Brewing (Louisville) - Twelve Degree Brewing is having a Halloween Party on Thursday, October 31st from 7pm to 10pm. They'll tap more "Cherry Velour Fog" and will have a costume competition with $50 gift certificate going to the scariest, most-creative, and best beer-inspired costume. Stop by at 820 Main Street in Louisville, CO.

Upslope Brewing Co (Boulder) - Come celebrate 5 Years of Beers this weekend at both Upslope Brewing locations (Lee Hill and Flatiron Park) in Boulder. On Friday, November 1st, the party is at the Lee Hill brewery from 2-8pm. Live music, food truck and special beer tappings. Then on Saturday, November 2nd the party is at Flatiron Park from 2-8pm. They'll tap their 5th Anniversary Ale, host live music and food as well. Special 5 Years of Beer t-shirts and glassware available too.

Twisted Pine Brewing (Boulder) - On Sunday, November 3rd, Twisted Pine Brewing Company will celebrate ten years in the Walnut St. location by throwing a customer appreciation party in its ale house. The 18 year old Boulder brewery moved from Valmont to the current location in 2003. Pints of all standard, year-round ales will be sold for $1 all day long as the brewery looks to say thanks for making the ale house and restaurant such a popular local hangout over the last decade. The kitchen will create a special pizza for the occasion and, as always, football will be streaming all day from flatscreens on every wall. Also, their Northstar Imperial Porter is set to return with a Vertical Tasting event on Thursday, November 7th from 7pm to 9pm. Cost for this vertical tasting is $40 with limited seating. They'll be pouring vintages from 2004 forward to 2013. Northstar will be paired with a tasty menu of small bites. Then on Friday, November 8th will be the Public Release Party starting at 4pm. Also, live music every Wednesday and Saturday night.

Crystal Springs Brewing (Louisville) - Stop in Halloween for Happy Hour from 5-6pm. If you show up in costume then Happy Hour lasts til closing! Check out the new tap room.

Northern Colorado

Loveland Aleworks (Loveland) - Celebrate Halloween at the brewery! They will be hosting a Halloween Costume Party and contest on October 31st from 7-10pm. Beer inspired costumes are encouraged. Prizes for the best ones. At 2pm they'll tap a new beer - "Double Birds IPA", a big 8.5% ABV Imperial IPA brewed for the IPA Fest and all you hop heads! Then coming in November, on the 10th look for their Cherry Saison to return to the taps. It's a Belgian-style farmhouse ale aged on real cherries. Then on November 20th, they'll tap their "Burundi Belgian Brown Ale". This brew was made with coffee.

High Hops Brewery (Windsor) - Today's special tapping is their "Monster Mash" Pumpkin Pie Porter. A great brew for the season. Pair that with food from Big City Burrito tonight. Then tomorrow, they'll release "Plum Dubbel", a Belgian-style Dubbel made with plums. Food from Chaulkboard Gourmet Express as well as live music from King Crawdad. Enjoy Halloween at High Hops! Plus - live music and food trucks Friday and Saturday. Sunday is Ladies night 4-7pm with half priced pints for the gals and a food truck as well.

Black Bottle Brewery (Ft. Collins) - Leave it to owner/brewer Sean Nook to come out with another classic video showing everyone "What really happens @ BBB". Check out the video below or you can view it directly on YouTube.

New Belgium (Ft. Collins) - [PRESS RELEASE] Attention, Lips Lovers! New Belgium Brewing’s two newest quarterly Lips of Faith offerings, Cigar City + New Belgium Collaboration Ale and Wild2 Dubbel are now out for all to enjoy. Collaborations have become a favorite in the Lips of Faith line and this meeting of the minds with Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing continues that tradition. Wild2 Dubbel will reintroduce the soon-to-be-famous Schisandra fruit to beer lovers everywhere.
The Cigar City + New Belgium Collaboration Ale beer starts with a fruity, citrus nose, followed by an abundance of Cascade, Pacific Jade and Wakatu hops. Anaheim and Marash chilies usher in a flavor that starts sweet, gets tangy and finishes spicy and tannic. Spanish Cedar spirals were added for some subtle woody and tobacco tones and a Bier de Garde yeast brings zesty phenols for topping. ABV 8.5%. Wild2 Dubbel is full of dark and robust malts creating deep chestnut tones and a tawny haze. Along with brettanomyces, this beer is spiced with the mysterious and splendid Schisandra, known as the five flavored fruit, bringing a complex peppery and pineapple push to top the banana and bubblegum notes of the Trappist yeast. The beer opens sweet and creamy, mingles with the tropic tones of the conditioning bretta, and finishes with a dry, warm spice. ABV 8%.

Southern Front Range

Pikes Peak Brewing Co (Monument) - Their "Beer 4 Boobies" beer is here! PPBC's Peach Cobbler Brown has notes of bread and cinnamon layered across a subtle background of peach. It's served with crushed graham crackers on the rim. Stop in for this Halloween "treat".

Bristol Brewing (Colorado Springs) - Don't forget you can get $1 off Growler Fills on Wednesdays from 3-7pm. Stock up for Halloween.

Mountains and West

Revolution Brewing (Paonia) - Why wait for Halloween? Revolution Brewing is throwing their Costume party tonight. There will be live music from Mike Gwinn and plenty of beer flowing. They'll have tacos available from Taco Bliss. Your costume might just win you a case of hand-labeled Revolution beer. Party on from open to close today.

Copper Club Brewing (Fruita) - It's a double party. Copper Club and The Hot Tomato Cafe & Pizzeria are combining for a two party costume contest starting at 6pm at the HT and heading over to Copper Club later. Beer, pizza and costumes - what could go wrong?
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Catch up on Colorado Beer News from earlier this week: Monday | Tuesday

Like us on Facebook - There's even more Colorado beer happenings and discussions on the Fermentedly Challenged Facebook Page. Find recaps, special offers, and tips that you won't find on the blog.

Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Today is National Cat Day. Today's the day to honor our feline friends. There are always plenty of cats waiting to be adopted out there. If you love cats, consider visiting your local animal shelter and adopt a cat. Or, if you have a cat, do something nice for it today. While they probably won't show gratitude, they will at least know that you are someone worth keeping a closer eye on. Take time to spend some time with a cat today. Dogs will get their day at another time. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Tuesday, October 29th, 2013. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Copper Kettle Brewing (Denver) - This is the last week for their October "Dead Styles" Wednesday Casks. Tomorrow's cask is "Adambier", a smoked German-style Barleywine. This cask will be tapped at 3:00pm and last until 9:00pm. They've also got Ckrepes on site serving food starting at 4:30pm.

Rocky Mountain Brew Fest (Denver) - If you missed your chance to attend the big beer festival at the Colorado Convention Center earlier this month - you're in luck! There's another beer fest inside during the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo happening on Friday & Saturday, November 8th and 9th across 3 separate sessions. You'll need a ticket to both the Ski expo and the beer fest. Attendees can sample handcrafted beers and ales from Colorado breweries during 3-hour tasting sessions. Cost $30 for the beer fest. Info at: www.bewisports.com/expos/denver/brew-fest/.Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project (Denver) - Have you checked out their new digs yet over at The Source? Crooked Stave moved into The Source at 3350 Brighton Boulevard in Denver just before the GABF earlier this month. They are the subject of our "Photo of the Day". Crooked Stave is tucked in the back under the gate marked "BREWERY".

Thanksgiving Rendezvous (Denver) - There's a new November beer festival coming up on Sunday, November 17th at Stapleton Tap House in Denver from 1pm to 5pm. Over 19 Colorado breweries will be pouring beers at this 1st ever Thanksgiving Rendezvous fest. This event is being sponsored in part by the Colorado Brewers Guild and is intended to feature and promote the world-class beers of its members. Tickets at $40 and are available at: imbibedenver.com/tday. Stapleton Tap House is located at 8286 Northfield Boulevard #1525 in Denver, CO.

Pint's Pub (Denver) - This pub is known for their selection of over 250 fine scotch whiskeys, but they also brew their own beer and have four keg English-style real ales on tap including: PhoneBox Amber, Airdale Pale, Alchemy ESB, and Gael Force Scottish Ale. Find them at 221 W. 13th Avenue in Denver, CO. Pint's Pub was recently named by Liquor.com as one of the top 8 Scotch Bars in the USA.

Black Shirt Brewery (Denver) - While they're finalizing the new brewhouse, they are planning to host a Halloween party at the brewery this Thursday from 5pm to 9pm. They'll be pouring their Sangre de la Carretera (Blood of the Read) hoppy red farmhouse ale. Free 5oz pour to those who show up in costume. Also, Texorado BBQ will be there serving up their smoked meats and tofu.

Grist Brewing Co (Highlands Ranch) - Opening day for this brand new brewery is set for this Saturday, November 2nd at 12pm. They plan to have six different beers on that for the opening including: Transition State Kolsch, Staple India Pale Ale, Window Tour Hefeweizen, Touch Line Brown, Niobrara Stout, and Third Ring Belgian Strong Ale. Grist Brewing will be located at 9150 Commerce Center Circle Suite 300 in Highlands Ranch, CO - just south of C470 and Santa Fe Blvd.

Asher Brewing Co (Boulder) - Your Halloween costume is going to come in handy at all the brewery parties this week and on Thursday, October 31st from 2pm to 12am you can wear it to Asher Brewing's Halloween Party. There will be prizes for best costume, best interpretation of one of their beers and best duo or group costume. Come thirsty to 4699 Nautilus Court Suite 104 in Boulder, CO.

Left Hand Brewing (Longmont) - Coming up in mid-November is the return of Left Hand's Widdershins Oak Aged Barleywine Ale. This beer will be available on tap and in 22oz bottles. This is a big brew that weighs in around 10.7% ABV and has been release annually for over 10 years. Look for the new label this year.

Oskar Blues (Lyons) - At long last, after weeks of being closed due to the flooding in Lyons, CO, Oskar Blues will re-open their original OB Grill & Brew tonight and once again feature a live music jam. The OB Bonewagon food truck will also be on hand with some grub. If you drive there just tell the traffic checkpoint that you are headed to the Oskar Blues jam tonight.

Upslope Brewing Co (Boulder) - For their 5 year anniversary, they are releasing their 5th Anniversary Ale - a Dancing Pines bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. This is a big 9.2% ABV brew in limited supply, so stop in and stay warm on this cold fall day.

Wild Woods Brewery (Boulder) - Heading down to Pearl St. on Thursday for Halloween? Stop by the tap room first for $1 off pints for those in costume (and free candy of course). Going to a Halloween party? Get $2 off growler fills all Thursday night!

Northern Colorado

Broken Plow Brewery (Greeley) - While this might not be the perfect weather today for sitting out on a patio, Broken Plow just completed pouring a big outdoor patio over the weekend. It took up several parking spots, but it will be a great spot for enjoying craft beers once they are open. Look for them to open their doors sometime in November if all goes according to plan.

Loveland Aleworks (Loveland) - Come see Loveland Stringworks tonight at aleworks. It is Tuesday, so if you buy a shirt you'll also get a pint. If you own a shirt wear your aleworks shirt and get a buck off of your beers. Come a few Tuesdays in a row and let that shirt pay for itself.

Buckhorn Brewers (Loveland) - In case you didn't remember, Buckhorn Brewers is open Thursday through Sunday - 3-8pm Thur+Fri and 2-8pm Sat+Sun. Tucked in on the north side of US 34 at 4229 W. Eisenhower Boulevard in Loveland, CO.

City Star Brewing (Berthoud) - City Star wants to tease you in sharing news today that they will be tapping a very special barrel-aged beer on Monday, November 4th at 2pm. Rumors are that this may be a Cabernet barrel-aged brown ale. You'll have to wait and see, but you won't want to miss it. Also, stop in tonight for their "Finger Food" potluck dinner tonight at 6:30pm. Bring a dish!

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) - Stop in this Saturday, November 2nd 1-7pm for the release of "3 Golden Hairs" Pilsner. The taproom will have it on tap starting at 1pm. There will be food pairings from Road Grill, raffles for the first 12 limited edition signed 3 Golden Hairs 22 ounce bottles, great beer and friends. Prost to their new label! Also - Ladies - don't forget that Tuesdays are Ladies Night at Grimm Bros. Stop in between 4-9pm for half price pints.

Big Beaver Brewing (Loveland) - Their 3rd Anniversary celebration continues this week. Today's special tapping is a Cocoa Mate Scottish Ale. Just 1 5-gallon keg of this and it's gone. Special tappings daily through November 1st. Tomorrow's tapping is a Juniper Pale Ale and on October 31st an Apricot Belgian Ale. And finally on Friday, a Buzzed Beaver Espresso Bourbon Stout. Come wish them a happy 3rd anniversary.

Pateros Creek Brewing (Ft. Collins) - For Tuesday, they have another growler fill special. Get half off growler fills all day. That DOES include their Owl Canyon pumpkin beer, but excludes any GF or Imperials.

Southern Front Range

Paradox Beer Co (Woodland Park) - Just in time for Halloween is four new bottle releases! 1st) Whiskey Barrel Vanilla Porter - aged in whiskey barrels, 2nd) Dark Wheat Whine Ale - aged in red wine oak barrels, 3rd) Skully #5 Cranberry Sour - aged in oak red wine barrels, and 4th) The Nihilist, a double brown ale aged in Hungarian oak wine barrels. These will be on store shelves very soon, but are available to sample in their tasting room now.

Mountains and West

Carver Brewing Co (Durango) - Got Beer'd? Those who are facial-hair-endowed are encouraged to get beer and beard at Carver Brewing Company this Friday, 11/1 at 8 pm. The occasion is the official kick-off of the 2014 Snowdown Beard Growing Competition. Contestants entering the 3-month long "Beard Race" will need to show up at Carver's back pub clean-shaven to have their mug shot as proof they didn't get a head start. The Thursday evening of Snowdown (1/30/14) these considerably furrier lads will present their faces to a panel of judges who will then select a winner. The judges will also be awarding fabulous prizes to beards of all ages for best color, longest beard, the greatest beer absorption beard and - for the ladies - best leg hair. There is no entry fee and this event is 21+. This year's Snowdown theme is "Safari So Good." Visit www.snowdown.org and Carver Brewing Company on Facebook for further details. Carver Brewing Co. is located at 1022 Main Avenue in historic downtown Durango.

Three Barrel Brewing Co (Del Norte) - Calling all local Sour Ale lovers, they've delivered a limited run of Chimayo Sour Ale (fruity/tart) and Morada Sour Ale (dark woody malty) to Beer Keg Depot in Alamosa, CO. Danielle at Beer Keg Depot is working hard to keep the funky stuff on the shelves so snag a 375ml if you'd like to see it stay!

Homebrewing Special

Homebrewers! If you are looking to splurge on homebrewing supplies this fall you might want to know about a limited time special going on from High Gravity Homebrewing & Winemaking Supplies. From now through the end of October 31st, 2013 - you'll get Free Shipping on all orders over $200 when you enter the code: "FreeShippingHalloween" when checking out. This can save you enough to buy an extra piece of equipment or perhaps a new beer recipe kit. Check them out at: www.highgravitybrew.com. Offer is only valid with FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery and excludes certain items.
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Like us on Facebook - There's even more Colorado beer happenings and discussions on the Fermentedly Challenged Facebook Page. Find recaps, special offers, and tips that you won't find on the blog.

Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Today is National Chocolate Day. A day that chocolate lovers relish every year (or make that every day). And since Halloween is around the corner, just about everyone has some chocolate in the house. It's OK to indulge in chocolate for just one day. And you know what pairs great with chocolate? How about a porter or a stout? The combo makes a great pairing. Try it and see. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Monday, October 28th, 2013. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

River North Brewery (Denver) - Every Wednesday there's something different being tapped and for this Wayward Wednesday, River North will tap their Unified Theory (Imperial Wit) infused with Pomegranate. There's double sixtels of this one. The first pour starts October 30th at 3pm.

The Old Mill Brewery & Grill (Littleton) - They've designed a whole new backroom bar. Come check it out. Complete with a cozy fireplace and plenty of beers on tap.

Boulder County

Very Nice Brewing (Nederland) - Dress in your best costume for their upcoming Halloween Party on Thursday, October 31st at 5pm. There will be prizes for the best costumes. During this event, they will be tapping their seasonal "Master of Pumpkins" ale. This brew used 100 pounds of pumpkins, roasted with clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. It's also brewmaster / owner Jeff's birthday on Friday November 1st so wish him a very happy birthday when you visit next.

Crystal Springs Brewing (Boulder/Louisville) - Boulder-based Crystal springs Brewing is ready to open up their brand new taproom TODAY at 5pm at 657 S. Taylor Avenue, Unit E in Louisville, CO. They plan to have 11 beers on tap for their opening. This has been a long project that is finally coming to completion. Stop in and wish owner Tom Horst well as he finally realizes his dream of adding a taproom for his brewery. Stop in for a pint or taste several of their brews. Beers you'll find on tap may include: Doc's American Porter, Crystal Springs Summertime Ale, Black Saddle Stout (seasonal), Stagecoach 1899, Uncle Fat (seasonal), Tic Wit (seasonal) Butch Extra Special Pale Ale, Angel Wheat Beer, Solano Chili Beer, and South Ridge Amber along with others. Previously, all beer was brewed in Tom's garage in Boulder, now it has a much larger location. Their initial hours are: 5-8pm Weekdays and 1-8pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

Oskar Blues (Longmont) - The fame of Oskar Blues' craft beer in a can is spreading further. Starting in November, Oskar Blues will be distributed in the state of Indiana by Monarch Beverage of Indianapolis. This will bring the total number of states for Oskar Blues to 32.

Upslope Brewing (Boulder) - Upslope is planning to throw back to back Anniversary parties this Friday and saturday. They've made up some souvenir etched glasses just for the occasion. Stop in and help them celebrate Five Years of Beer.

Avery Brewing Co (Boulder) - Every year, Avery brews up a new batch of The Czar Imperial Stout. This year's batch will be released starting on November 1st at a release party at 5:00pm. The Czar is a big, bold and dark imperial stout that weighs in around 11% ABV. This beer can be aged for several years and vertically tasted side by side with previous year's editions. Stock up for the season with bottles.

Northern Colorado

Askew Bruery (Wellington) - According to owner Ryan Goude, this upcoming brewery has chosen to partner with Grouse Malting and will be located in Wellington, Colorado. This would make this business the northern most brewery in Colorado. They plan to specialize in gluten-free beer using grains malted on site by Grouse Malting. Askew Bruery is now in the process of submitting their TTB paperwork this week and are looking for a January or February 2014 opening. Follow their progress on Facebook and on the web at Askewbruery.com.

Wiley Roots Brewing (Greeley) - There's a new limited batch brew being released on Saturday, November 3rd that will be an India Brown Ale. This is a small test batch that won't last long, so stop in and try a pint once it taps. Also be sure to try their GABF bronze medal Super 77 Wheat. Located at 625 3rd Street Unit D next to Syntax Spirits.

Crabtree Brewing Co (Greeley) - Brewer/owner Jeff Crabtree revealed this weekend that starting in November, they plan to host Firkin Tuesdays every Tuesday of the week. They're letting their employees come up with the ideas for these firkins and a new, totally unique brew will be set up in a firkin each week. Also, by Spring 2014, they plan to add up to 14 new fermenters and greatly expand their capacity at the brewery. Other plans in the works too, but will be revealed later as plans are finalized.

City Star Brewing (Berthoud) - The brewery is hosting a "Monster Mash" party at the brewery on Halloween night from 6:30pm - 11pm. They'll have music spun from DJ Mr. ShackOlove. In the meantime, tomorrow, October 29th it's another famous City Star Potluck starting at 6:30pm. The theme for this month is "Finger Food". Sawed off zombie fingers work well for this time of year. Bring a dish to share and have some fun and wash it all down with a beer.

Tap and Handle (Ft. Collins) - Tonight's pint night is from St. Arnold out of Houston, TX. They are Texas' oldest craft brewery, but the newest to come in to Colorado. Pint Night starts at 6pm, they will be tapping the Lawnmower Kolsch (winner of 2 gold and 2 bronze medals at GABF) and the Pumpkinator.

Southern Front Range

Front Range BBQ (Colorado Springs) - There will be a "Meet the Brewer" night featuring Matt Thrall and Andy Parker of Avery Brewing Company at Front Range BBQ on Thursday night, November 7th at 7pm. For the event they will have a fantastic lineup of Avery beer, including a number of beers normally only available in their Boulder taproom, some regular favorites, a number of aged bottles from their barrel series, some big beers, and some small beers. Beers include: Lilikoi, Out of Sight (coffee stout), Uberschwein (barleywine), Joe's Pils, Czar Imperial Stout, 3 years of Rumpkin, Uncle Jacobs Stout, several sour beers and more. Located at: 2230 W. Colorado Ave. in Colorado Springs. Sponsored by Focus on the Beer (blog).

All Colorado Beer Festival (Colorado Springs) - Think beer fests are done for the year? Think again. The 7th annual All Colorado Beer Festival is happening this Saturday, November 2nd across 2 sessions at the Colorado Springs Expo Center. Tickets are still available. Visit www.allcoloradobeerfestival.com for details.

Great Storm Brewing (Colorado Springs) - The 2nd annual GSB Halloween Party is set for Thursday, October 31st starting at 11am til close. Wear a costume, get a FREE GSB sticker. Plus, 80s music for a change, and a highly subjective costume judging could win you a $20 bar tab. They'll be tapping Pompion Ale, a golden ale with roasted pumpkin. Also, a tapping of Rhea's Graf, an oatmeal stout / hard cider hybrid. Plus other surprises - come on down!

Phantom Canyon Brewing (Colorado Springs) - Don't forget - play free pool in the pool hall when you buy a beverage or food on Mondays!

Mountains and West

Elevation Beer Co (Poncha Springs) - November is almost here and Elevation Beer is planning some events for that month starting off with the 1st Annual Ark Valley High Rollers' Chili Cook Off on Saturday, November 2nd from 4pm to 6pm at the brewery. Enter your best chili - sign-up at Moonlight Pizza in Salida for an $20 entry fee. Bring your ready to serve chili of your choice for 15 people, serving utensils and table decorations. The AVHR will provide cornbread, tasting bowls, spoons, napkins and tables. Elevation Beer Company will be pouring their beer. If you just want to come and eat, the cost is $5. Beers sold separately.

Grand Lake Brewing (Grand Lake) - There have been multiple accounts of why this brewery taproom has shutdown in Grand Lake. The doors closed for good on Saturday, October 26th. The owners state that the brewing business will continue, but the taproom will be closed. The owner stated they intend to later open up a new taproom in the west Denver area sometime in the next 12-18 months, however, some locals are telling a much different story about an alleged eviction from the property due to unpaid bills. For more official news, follow them on Facebook. This is the 3rd brewery to close in Colorado within the last 12 months behind Del Norte Brewing and Silverton Brewing.

Durango Brewing Co (Durango) - Test out your best Halloween costume a couple days early on Tuesday, October 29th. They're hosting a contest. Get $2 pints and listen to live music and have a ghostly good time.
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Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Small breweries are popping up everywhere in Denver these days. Just over a year ago, Our Mutual Friend Malt & Brew opened at 2810 Larimer Street and on their 1st anniversary a group of media reporters were given a tour of their facility during Great American Beer Festival (GABF) week. While the place was packed, we managed to squeeze in back in the brewhouse to take a look at their 1 barrel brewing system. We met with the owners and brewers Bryan Leavelle and Brandon Proff and they were gracious to pour us a couple beers and talk about their operations.

While their operation isn't huge by most standards, they do share a passion of crafting their own beer and malting their own grains on location - something that most brewers don't do themselves. The brewhouse had a small industrial oven that they malt their grains in, their brewhouse and several fermenters that create the beer. They've also started barrel aging on a limited basis.

The tap room is small, but cozy. The tap wall looks like it was built into a library wall. Outside, they have a small open patio with a view of Larimer Street. We only stayed for about 20 minutes, but were happy to have gotten a small taste of their brews including an IPA. The following is a visual tour of their facility. They are open Tuesdays through Sundays at 2pm each day and close normally at 10pm except for Fridays and Saturdays where they stay open til midnight.

Their location is just about 7 blocks northeast of Coors Field, well within walking distance for many folks of the ballpark. Several other brewery locations are nearby including Epic Brewing, River North Brewery, Great Divide and Crooked Stave. Make it part of your next Denver brewery tour.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Here are some of the known Colorado craft beers released during this past week. While this list isn't complete by any means, it does represents a big chunk of of the nearly 200 breweries here in Colorado. Fall and Winter seasonals and darker beers are common these days. Pumpkin ales, Porters, Stouts, Barleywines, Hard ciders and more. If you spot something interesting - head on over to that brewery before it's gone. Please note that some of these releases are firkins or specialty kegs and may already be gone.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Today is National Denim Day. #Denimday - Wear your demin today. Many of us wear them almost every day anyway. It's a day to show them off whether they be new, old, full of holes, faded, different colors or even cut offs. Put on your denim pants, shirts, shorts or whatever you have made from denim. Some parts of the country are wearing them today to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You don't just have to wear pink. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Friday, October 25th, 2013. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

River North Brewery (Denver) - Don't forget, you can now get 4-pack cans of River North White. They canned them just yesterday. Have a pint on their patio and food from Baba & Pop's Kitchen tonight.Colorado Plus Brewpub (Wheat Ridge) - Tonight is a special Brewery Rickoli mini tap takeover at Colorado Plus. CPlus will feature Rickoli's: Woody Lube, Quicher Bichen, Enormous Richard, Disturbed Reflection, and Thrilla in Vanilla Stout.

Arvada Beer Company (Arvada) - Today's special anniversary beer is their Maibock aged in a Silver Vines Syrah barrel for 8 months. They also still have a few anniversary beers left over from earlier this week. Don't forget, tomorrow from 12-2pm is the live broadcast of the Colorado Craft Beer Show on AM 760 Denver.

Diebolt Brewing Co (Denver) - They are tapping "The Mogos" today. Their fresh/wet hopped IPA is a 10 gallon batch with 2.5 lbs of Zeus harvested by John Mogos from his backyard. Also, their tequila barrel magically spawned a Breckenridge Bourbon barrel last night, looks like they will have a tequila and bourbon winter Saison.

Dry Dock Brewing (Aurora) - What's firkin over at Dry Dock today? A big firkin of Peanut Butter Cup Porter! It's just like drinking a Reeses. Get some while you can. If you miss the first firkin at 3pm you can always get more at their 2nd tapping at 7pm.

Golden City Brewery (Golden) - GCB's 20th Anniversary starts next Thursday on Halloween. They'll be offering $2 pints and $4 growler fills on October 31st plus live music from Drama Americana and a food truck too. On Friday November 1st there will be meet and greet session with the brewers. Get 20% off all merchandise that Friday. Then on Saturday, November 2nd there will be free food from Worldwide Vittles and Tine Star Smokehouse along with live music. Congrats on 20 years!

Black Shirt Brewing (Denver) - [PRESS RELEASE] Black Shirt Brewing Co celebrated their 1-year anniversary on Oct 12, 2013. In just 1 year they have been able to hit some major milestones, including more tap room hours, adding a patio, brewing more unique red ales, hiring additional employees, and, most significantly, the ability to expand and upgrade their brewing equipment. The new brewhouse and fermenters were ordered months ago, and are currently being placed and plumbed. This growth has been methodical, and with the beer and the customer experience at the forefront of every decision. This latest expansion, happening now, will allow them to brew more consistent, higher-quality beer and allow them to get more experimental. It will also allow them to increase their reach into the community a bit further - with more on and off-premise sales. It will also allow them to drink the beer they love to make exactly where they want to drink it - by a stream, on the mountain, after a day on the slopes! Thanks for your support! - Chad, Branden, and Charissa.

Boulder County

Boulder Beer Co (Boulder) - Mark the date - November 16th at 3pm - that's when Boulder Beer Co will hold their 1st ever release of "The Dude's Bane Barrel-Aged Barleywine". This beer has been aged for a full year in first-use bourbon barrels. This release will be in bottles and they only made 8 barrels of this brew. It began as a lighter-bodied English-style Barleywine with undertones of candied fruit, then over time evolved into something much more complex with the fusion of bourbon, vanilla and oak flavors from the barrel. The release will take place in their Pub at 2880 Wilderness Place. They open at noon that day and get in line early to get your number. Limit 12 bottles per person. All bottles are numbered and wax coated. Also - stop over to Liquor Mart in Boulder before the CU game - they will be offering hot dogs and tastes of their new Shake Chocolate Porter from 1-5pm in the parking lot.

The Very Nice Brewing Co (Nederland) - Coming up on October 31st, they will be tapping "Master of Pumpkins" - made with over 100+ pounds of roasted pumpkin from Cottonwood Farms in Boulder and spiced with cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Bet you can't wait until Halloween to try it!

Northern Colorado

Crabtree Brewing Co (Greeley) - There's a new beer on tap today - "Smoked Ya Braggot". It's got NoCo wildflower honey mixed with apple wood smoked barley. Plus, it's been barrel aged! Due to the limited batch produced, there will not be any growler fills of this beer. Also, time now to pre-order your official Crabtree Brewing sweatshirts!

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) - It's a Halloween party this Sunday from 3-7pm at the taproom. Come dressed up in your favorite costume for a chance to win some prizes and drink some tasty German-style beers. Also, no food truck tonight so BYO food - they'll have the garage door open.

Verboten Brewing (Loveland) - Folks have been asking for a gluten-free or gluten-removed brew and now they've got one. Stop in for a special tapping today starting at 3pm for their Gluten-removed Killer Boots Caramel Porter. This is a limited keg - stop in and try it!

New Belgium Brewing (Ft. Collins) - Westword is reporting that this winter, New Belgium plans to double the size of their wooden foeder forest from 32 to 64. Each of these foeders hold up to 104 barrels each. They'll be able to make their La Folie a year-round beer and make several more experimental Lips of Faith beers with these wooden vessels. Once this expansion is done there will be no more room for growth in Ft. Collins, that is until their Asheville, NC plant opens in 2015.

Fort Collins Brewery (Ft. Collins) - Don't forget to get your costumes ready. Their annual Halloween party is coming up October 31st. They'll have carnival type food and games. The costume contest starts at 7:00pm sharp.

High Hops Brewery (Windsor) - Need a fun place to hang out tonight in Windsor? Head to High Hops. They've got live music from "Watery Grave" playing tonight at 6pm and tasty food from Bedrock BBQ as well. Not to mention all their great beers on tap. Also, live music and food as well on Saturday night.

Southern Front Range

Trinity Brewing (Colorado Springs) - Tonight is the release of their Merle, Saison Nocturnum at 5pm. This is billed as their "Super Saison". Stop in for a try.

Mountains and West

Grand Lake Brewing Co (Grand Lake) - (UPDATED NEWS) Very sad news to report. According to their Facebook page, tonight and tomorrow are the final nights for the brewery. They will be closing their taproom with a Big Farewell Party tonight and tomorrow. This weekend's proceeds will be going towards their employees severance pay. They may or may not have any food available tonight. They are planning now to keep the beer flowing, but will move the taproom to the west side of Denver within a year to year and a half. They may re-open with a different name. But for now, there will be no more taproom in Grand Lake, CO area. More as it develops.

Horsefly Brewery (Montrose) - Yes it's finally ready to tap. Their Horsefly Pumpkin Ale is now on tap as of 4pm today. Stop in and let them know what you think.

BREW Pub & Kitchen (Durango) - New on tap today is their latesst creation: "Ernest" an American Brown Ale described as having a rich malt character with nut and coffee tones. Perfect for these cooler fall days.

Pagosa Brewing Co (Pagosa Springs) - Now on tap - Pagosa Brewing's Great Pumpkin Ale is on tap tonight for Mug Club Members and everyone else starting tomorrow. It's just like pumpkin pie only drinkable. Celebrate the season!

Backcountry Brewery (Frisco) - Did you know that every day from 3-6pm is Happy Hour where you can get $2.50 pints and half-pried appetizers? Now ya know.
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Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Today is Sour Day. Sour Day let's you celebrate everything sour from candy, to food to even craft beer! Grab something sour and pucker up today. You might just enjoy it! Try not to act sour however, that might just backfire on you. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Thursday, October 24th, 2013. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Denver Beer Company (Denver) - Coming in mid-2014, Denver Beer Co will open a 2nd production brewery and install a huge new 30 barrel brewhouse with new 60 barrel fermenters on a 3-acre property at 4455 Jason Street in Denver, CO. The new facility will also house a small taproom, bottling line and a canning line allowing them to package some of their beers. The original facility will remain and be dedicated to making new experimental beers.

Hops & Pie (Denver) - The first Friday of the month is quickly approaching and on Friday, November 1st, Hops & Pie will host another Firkin 1st Friday tapping at 6pm. This month, they have a firkin of Epic Brewing's "Escape to Colorado IPA" dry hopped with whole leaf Simcoe hops. This floral & dank American style IPA offers complex aroma of light citrus ranging from tangerine to tropical fruit. The ultra-premium Maris Otter malt provides a slight nutty sweetness which balances the strong hop profile & leaves only a slight bitterness on the finish. (6.2% ABV). Stop by for a pint at 3920 Tennyson Street in Denver, CO.Breckenridge Brewery (Denver) - [PRESS RELEASE] Colorado in November is all about gearing up for Opening Day of the ski and snowboard season. To celebrate this unique Rocky Mountain holiday, Breckenridge Brewery of Colorado and Never Summer Industries have been busy planning a joint project that combines the best of the two companies’ crafts. While Never Summer Industries created an inaugural “Artist Series” snowboard, Breckenridge Brewery concocted a limited release, draft-only beer to launch the 2013 winter recreation season. The board and beer will be incorporated into Opening Day celebrations throughout the United States. The two Colorado companies are well known around the country for their respective crafts. Breckenridge Brewery’s beers are sold in 37 states, and Never Summer snowboards and longboards can be found worldwide.
In July, Breckenridge Brewery asked 10 Colorado artists to create a snowboard design that could become the first Artist Series board for the collaboration. After an online voting event and live showings of the artists’ designs, judges determined that John Vogl’s incredibly detailed, wildlife-inspired artwork would grace 250 boards. Breckenridge Brewery’s and Never Summer’s logos are prominently featured on the boards as a tribute to the collaboration.
For its part of the collaboration, Breckenridge Brewery crafted a Hoppy Imperial Red Ale, “Imperial Express,” named after the highest chairlift at Breckenridge Ski Resort, reaching an elevation of 12,840 feet. The draft-only beer will be available throughout Colorado while supplies last, and Breckenridge Brewery will serve it up at its special opening day celebrations and promotions. Check out the video of this collaboration on YouTube or below.

Odyssey Beerwerks (Arvada) - There will be Costume Contest(s) and Halloween fun on Friday, November 1st. No candy for the kiddos, but they'll definitely have some treats for grown ups. Free beer will be awarded to the Best Costume(s) at 6:00, 7:30, and 9:00pm. So make an evening of it at the taproom or stop by on your way to or from your Halloween party for a pint of Fluffy Pumpkin Porter, Ghost Drifter, Psycho Penguin, or any of our other 9 other beers on tap.

Hall Brewing Co (Parker) - Soon there will be a new taproom opening for Hall Brewing. The new taproom will be located at Main Street and Parker Road in the former Quiznos location. They won't brew at this location however. Look for this to open by the end of the year. THey will server 9 beers plus seasonals and firkins.

De Steeg Brewing (Denver) - New beer on tap today - Oak Aged Imperial Pumpkin on Nitro. This is a big beer at 10% ABV. If you liked their regular Imperial Pumpkin, wait til you see what an oak barrel and nitro do for this beer! Limited batch so get some quick.

Wynkoop Brewing Co (Denver) - Want to be in the Guinness Book of World Records? Denver Gorilla Run is this Saturday! Dress up in a gorilla suit and run a 5K for charity! Wynkoop will be supplying SIlverback Pale ale, and their family of restaurants will have food to feed all the hungry gorillas! http://www.denvergorillarun.com/

Prost Brewing (Denver) - The brewery is hosting a pumpkin carving contest now through the end of the month. Carving tools will be provided. Best two entries win bier for a year! Ask your server for details.

Lone Tree Brewing (Lone Tree) - They'll be tapping a half barrel of their Mr. Moo's Pumpkin Brew on the nitro tap today starting at 4pm. Better hurry in to get yours.

Golden City Brewery (Golden) - On Thursday, October 31st, GCBC will be hosting the ultimate "Throwback Thursday" featuring $2 pints and $4 growler fills on their original beers. What a deal!

Boulder County

Left Hand Brewing (Longmont) - Left Hand fans up in Fort Collins will want to head to a special Left Hand mini-tap takeover at Tap n Handle on Halloween night October 31st from 6pm to 10pm. They'll be featuring Left Hand's: Jackmans American Pale Ale, Motherlode Golden Ale, Deep Cover Brown Ale, Dunkelweiss, and Munich Dark Lager. These brews are part of Left Hand's 20th Anniversary celebration. Tap N Handle is located at: 307 S. College Ave in FoCo.

Northern Colorado

Pateros Creek Brewing (Ft. Collins) - If it's Thursday, there must be a new Outlaw beer on tap. Today they've tapped "The Reason for the Saison", a fall Saison. Described as "a nice fruity beer with hints of coriander and cinnamon with a balanced finish." - Also, don't forget their Owl Canyon Pumpkin Ale release this Saturday, October 26th. They made 60% more this year so they won't run out as fast.

Big Beaver Brewing (Loveland) - During their 3rd Anniversary celebration (Oct 25th - Nov 3rd) stop in and play the Big Beaver Board Game. Complete an entire row of 7 drinks and get a limited edition anniversary t-shirt for free. Also, buy one of their Anniversary mugs for $8 and get Buy 1 Get 1 beers throughout their anniversary week (Oct 26th - Nov 1st). Limited quantity. Plus a new beer release every day during the celebration. Be sure to stop at the Beaver and wish them a happy 3rd Anniversary!

New Belgium Brewing (Ft. Collins) - Now that the new Accumulation Winter Seasonal is out, eyes are looking ahead to what Spring will bring and a new Spring seasonal may be in the works that could replace Dig Pale Ale. A new label approval for New Belgium Spring Blonde - Belgian Style Ale has been issued. It's a 6% ABV beer with a new styled label. So say goodbye (potentially) to Dig and say hello to Spring Blonde.

Verboten Brewing (Loveland) - New on tap is their new Belgian-style IPA called "She's Ugly". It's a limited edition beer weighing in at 5% ABV and 72 IBUs. "She may not be pretty, but she's extra bitter."

Southern Front Range

Bristol Brewing (Colorado Springs) - Today marks the release of their Imperial IPA at 5pm. It's a hoppy treat straight from their Brewhouse Series. Then on October 31st, find time during the Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout release party to step out on the patio for s’mores around their new fire pits, which will be making their debuts in honor of the old man himself. You'll be happy to know that the $1-off growler fill special on Wednesdays from 3pm - 7pm is back in the house.

Mountains and West

San Luis Valley Brewing Co (Alamosa) - During all Denver Broncos or Green Bay Packers football games this year, stop in and watch the games and during that time you'll get $2 pints of Alamosa Amber during Broncos games and $2 pints of Hefe suave during Packers games. If both are on at the same time you can take advantage of both simultaneously! They'll have the games on inside their taproom.

Special Offer for Homebrewers

High Gravity Homebrewing (Tulsa, OK) - Due to recent website issues that are now corrected, High Gravity Homebrewing is offering Fermentedly Challenged readers a one time 10% discount off your next order through Sunday, October 27th. Just enter the code "Oops10" when checking out. Here's your chance to save on early holiday shopping or for yourself! Fermentedly Challenged is an affiliate seller for High Gravity Homebrew Supplies. Offer does not cover these exclusions.
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Like us on Facebook - There's even more Colorado beer happenings and discussions on the Fermentedly Challenged Facebook Page. Find recaps, special offers, and tips that you won't find on the blog.

Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

What's the next biggest craft industry in Colorado? Hard Cider! There's a growing list of hard cider producers here in the Centennial State. The Rocky Mountain Cider Association has recently organized and is now listing members in the Rocky Mountain region and Colorado cideries have the bulk of the membership. As more and more hard cider companies start appearing here in Colorado they will be added to the list. Know of any hard cider companies or hard cider bars that we're missing? Let us know!
Last updated: June 30, 2016